---
title: "Her leaves closest to the roots are graying. Almost looks mildew like…"
description: "Her leaves closest to the roots are graying. Almost looks mildew like but does not rub off. Have had her for 8 years, she has been in this spot on top of…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/f2PFYohqytxTxfzBv6pf33"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Kimmery"
published: "2025-12-15T22:32:23.154351Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ULmDKxIWxY5wVhxkzOnonrwAJ2WQD07PjrdDV9olfBU/3Vy7Szr7TJu6ZZvdpzOemw.webp?size=large"
---

[Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Pests, diseases and problems](https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ.md)

# Her leaves closest to the roots are graying. Almost looks mildew like…

_Posted by Kimmery on 2025-12-15_

Her leaves closest to the roots are graying. Almost looks mildew like but does not rub off.

Have had her for 8 years, she has been in this spot on top of turtle aquarium for 6 yrs, never an issue.

What is happening?

Planta says overwatering but haven't changed routine and her soil is dry.

Any help appreciated.

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ULmDKxIWxY5wVhxkzOnonrwAJ2WQD07PjrdDV9olfBU/3Vy7Szr7TJu6ZZvdpzOemw.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ULmDKxIWxY5wVhxkzOnonrwAJ2WQD07PjrdDV9olfBU/ccpwruuvQ4Oy6_eSs2V7aw.webp?size=large)

## 1 comment

### Sunny commented on 2025-12-17

It could be a nutrient deficiency like iron. Iron helps to produce chlorophyll which greens up the plant. The soil may need a refresh or the fertilizer may need to be adjusted if it’s a nutrient deficiency.

Low light near the top soil can cause leaves to pale. Also, older leaves can naturally die off too.

Check for pests to see if they are eating layers off the leaves. Hard to tell from the photo. 🪴🍀

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